Small cracks (less than 1/4 inch in width and depth) can be repaired using concrete or asphalt filler. Medium cracks (1/4 to 1/2 inch) should be repaired with patching compound or pre-mixed mortar. Large cracks (more than 1/2 inch) need to be repaired with pre-mixed concrete or asphalt (the cold patch variety).
Mix Quikrete Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer with water in a 5-gallon bucket. Chuck a mixing paddle in a ½-inch drill to quickly prepare the patching material, which should have a thick consistency. Fill the cracks. Pour the mixture on the cracks and use a flat-edged trowel to force it deep inside them.
While you may see small driveway cracks as nothing important, they can be the first sign that you may have foundation issues.
Crack sealing is a more costly procedure for the pavement owner but provides substantial value due to its long life expectancy. While crack filling may only last one or two seasons depending on the cracks activity, crack sealing can last up to 8 years or more and is considered a permanent treatment.
Latex-ite Pli-Stix Asphalt Crack Filler
For deep asphalt cracks up to 1 inch wide, Latex-ite's Pli-Stix filler rope offers a permanent seal that's flexible and waterproof. This Pli-Stix consists of a ½-inch-wide asphalt rope that is pressed into cracks, then melted to create a self-leveling and permanent seal.
Patching means filling tiny holes or cracks with asphalt or concrete sealant, which you can pick up at a hardware store. If you don't patch these small imperfections quickly, water will seep into the cracks and the gravel below the asphalt, leading the asphalt to crumble into a pothole.
The sooner you take action to repair cracks in your driveway, the better. Cracks left unattended for long periods of time can expand when water finds its way into them and freezes, potentially widening the cracks.
According to HomeAdvisor, a driveway repair professional will charge as little as $300 to fix minor concrete driveway cracks, but most homeowners can do the job on their own with a rubber or synthetic crack filler. This costs about $0.10 to $0.15 per linear foot—but watch out if cracks are larger than 1/8 of an inch.
Polyurethane-based products, including Sakrete Non-Sag Sealant and Sakrete Self-Leveling Sealant offer better performance with a superior bond and flexibility for cracks up to ½” deep and wide. Polyurethane-based products require acetone or similar chemicals for cleaning but deliver superior durability and longevity.
While it is true that high pressure can further damage already damaged concrete, if you intend to patch those cracks or damaged areas soon, they can actually benefit from a lower pressure wash. What happens that makes concrete cracks so frustrating is that over time dirt will settle into those cracks.
Uneven drying, shrinkage and temperature changes can all cause fractures in your slab. To avoid water seepage and further damage, it's critical to seal any cracks that develop.
Structural cracks are typically large in size, can be uneven, (can be a quarter inch, however this can vary) and often run through the entire slab. These often require repair or replacement of the concrete slab and can indicate an underlying structural issue.
Applying concrete driveway sealant to prevent damage
The best way to prevent your driveway from cracking is to apply sealant.
The Deery Hot Pour Rubberized Crack Filler is our favorite crack filler and with good reason. Each block can be used to fill cracks up to 1" in width in parking lots and driveways, allowing contractors to save money on asphalt maintenance supplies.
Flex Seal Liquid is a helpful resource for fixing driveway damage. The product can be easily poured into cracks and crevices for repair. It's important to note that we do not recommend sealing large areas that receive a lot of foot traffic because the liquid can become slippery when wet.
From the highway to your driveway, u-seal USA gives you a commercial grade hot liquefied rubber driveway crack sealer. Used on airports, highways and roads. Outlast every crack filler on the market and save hundreds versus professional repair.
No, it does not. You will see crack filler through sealcoat, as the crack filler is designed to expand and contract with temperature changes. Pavement takes on a dark, vibrant color after sealcoating, but you will still see repaired crack areas through the sealcoat.
Crack filling is not a structural repair, but it can extend the life of your pavement by sealing the cracks and preventing water from entering. Crack filling costs way less than crack sealing, making it the more affordable option. However, it is not as long-lasting as crack sealing.
One common method of repairing foundation cracks is injection with epoxy or polyurethane. These materials are designed to fill the crack and prevent water from entering the foundation. Epoxy and polyurethane injections are generally considered to be long-lasting repairs, with a lifespan of 10 years or more.
Cracks that are identified as small and fine (less than 0.3 mm in width), are generally deemed acceptable as part of minor settlement depending on the purpose and intent of the concrete structure, the environment it is placed in, the design-life and the durability design.
Structural concrete cracks have the potential to negatively impact the durability and strength of a concrete structure. These cracks are general recognized as serious if they are progressively widening, retaining dirt, allowing penetration of moisture, or developing in highly visible locations.